A preschool-aged child who is experiencing respiratory distress is brought to the emergency department by the parents. The child is anxious, has a temperature of 102.8° F (39.3° C), and is drooling from the mouth while leaning forward when sitting. Which action should the nurse prepare the child for next?

Choice A reason: Asking the boy to describe a typical day at school is the best intervention that the nurse can implement. This can help the nurse identify any possible sources of stress or anxiety that may be causing the boy's physical symptoms. The nurse can also provide emotional support and guidance to the boy and his parents on how to cope with the school-related challenges.

Choice B reason: Conducting a complete neurological assessment is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement. This is not necessary unless the boy has other signs of neurological problems, such as seizures, vision changes, or altered mental status. A neurological assessment may also be invasive and uncomfortable for the boy and may increase his anxiety.

Choice C reason: Counseling the parents to pay more attention to the child is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement. This may imply that the parents are neglectful or irresponsible, which may not be true. The nurse should avoid making assumptions or judgments about the parents' behavior and instead collaborate with them to find the best solutions for the child's well-being.

Choice D reason: Comparing the child's vital signs over the past three weeks is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement. This may not provide much useful information, as the child's vital signs may vary depending on the time of day, activity level, and emotional state. The nurse should focus more on the child's subjective complaints and psychosocial factors.

Choice A reason: Changing position every 2 hours is not the most important intervention that the nurse should implement. This is because the child's position is limited by the traction and the splint, and frequent repositioning may interfere with the alignment and stability of the fracture. The nurse should only change the position of the child as ordered by the physician and with the assistance of another nurse.

Choice B reason: Assessing skin for redness and signs of tissue breakdown is not the most important intervention that the nurse should implement. This is because the skin is not directly in contact with the traction or the splint, and the risk of pressure ulcers is low. The nurse should still inspect the skin regularly and provide skin care as needed, but this is not the priority.

Choice C reason: Cleansing pin sites as prescribed is not the most important intervention that the nurse should implement. This is because the pin sites are not the main source of infection or complication in this type of traction. The nurse should still follow the protocol for pin site care and monitor for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, drainage, or odor, but this is not the priority.

Choice D reason: Monitoring peripheral pulses and sensation in the right leg is the most important intervention that the nurse should implement. This is because the traction and the splint can impair the circulation and nerve function of the affected extremity, leading to complications such as compartment syndrome, ischemia, or nerve damage. The nurse should check the pulses, temperature, color, capillary refill, and sensation of the right leg at least every hour and report any changes or abnormalities to the physician.